Prospect Ramblings

Catching you up on prospects moved or being shopped at the NHL trade deadline...plus some highlights from the prospect world.

Monday, March 1st, 2015

With Austin Wallace’s head buried in his textbooks preparing for his midterms (aka, watching “TradeCentre”) the two of us are swapping ramblings days so you’re stuck with me today covering Trade Deadline action.

While the focus will remain on prospects, I may feel inclined to spew out some opinions on deals that go down as well.

Touching on Yesterday’s mini-blockbuster with Arizona trading defenseman Keith Yandle to the Rangers for promising speedster Anthony Duclair, defenseman John Moore, New York’s 1st round pick in 2016 and a 2nd in 2015. This exemplifies a great hockey trade for two teams headed in two different directions. It also marks

February 2015 – A pure sniper, an exciting talent that one would find easy to cheer for as he doesn’t know the meaning of the word quit once he hits the ice. Be that as it may, Zucker needs to round out his defensive game thereby being played more aggressively by coaching staff. Rediscovering his ability to distribute that he exhibited in his days as a University of Denver standout would be a good way to stand out on a depth chart that has the likes of Parise, Vanek and Niederreiter among others ahead of him. Even so, Zucker has the makings of a valuable checking line presence to spread the scoring talent across the active roster. Edric Joseph

March 2014 - Zucker hasn't played an NHL game since February 6 and continues to be a reserve for coach Mike Yeo, especially now with the addition of winger Matt Moulson from the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline. The 22-year-old had been shuffled around when given ice time in the lineup, seeing time between the second and third lines. However, if opportunities present themselves with the right line mates in the future, Zucker does possess a quick, sneaky shot that could make him a potential 20-goal scorer. Jamie Zadow

February 2014 - Jason Zucker returned to the lineup and tallied an assist in a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Zucker had been a healthy scratch for the past few games after Zach Parise returned from Injured Reserve. The speedy winger will try and make the most of his opportunities and finds himself on the second line with Charlie Coyle and Dany Heatley. Jamie Zadow

November 2013 - Minnesota recalled Jason Zucker from the Iowa Wild of the AHL. Zucker has been red hot in 13 games with Iowa this season, recording 10 points (six goals, four assists) and three of his goals have come on the power play. Zucker could be a good play fantasy wise with Mikael Granlund out of the lineup for an unknown period of time, particularly since Zucker could provide some spark to the Minnesota powerplay and should get the minutes to do so. Jamie Zadow

October 2013 - Zucker has been called up by the Minnesota Wild from AHL Iowa following a knee injury to forward Charlie Coyle, who is expected to miss up to a month. Zucker could see top six minutes, as he spent parts of last season on the second line and had five points (four goals, one assist) in 20 regular season games. The 21-year-old also had two points in five playoff games back in May. At 5'11" he is a small forward, but possesses great speed and a solid shot off the wing. Jamie Zadow

May 2013 - Zucker helped the Wild to their only victory in the Western Conference Quarterfinals against Chicago. He cut the series deficit in half by scoring the game-winning goal in game three with a 3-2 overtime win. Zucker finished with two points (1 G, 1 A) in his first five career playoff appearances after being called up from the Houston Aeros (AHL) in February of 2013. Even after a disappointing playoff exit for Minnesota, his solid play late in the season appears to have earned him a top-12 forward position going into next season. Look for Zucker to be given even more responsibility in 2014. Clayton Bailey

February 2013 - Jason Zucker has been called up by the Minnesota Wild. If he sees any time in the top six, Zucker could be worth a pick up. Zucker has a quick shot and is a great skater, watch him closely. Andrew Ward

February 2013 – Jason Zucker plays a game similar to that of Cal Clutterbuck but with better scoring ability. Zucker is strong, physical, and has the wheels to beat guys to a lot of loose pucks. He doesn’t have the most accurate shot but his release is quick and his shot is deceptive in speed. Zucker is a fantastic scorer. In his first year with the Houston Aeros, he leads the team with 18 goals and 38 points in 43 games. Zucker is willing to go into the gritty areas and isn’t afraid to take a beating at the top of the crease, he has an uncanny sense for finding the puck in the slot and putting it in the back of the net. Being such a versatile forward, Zucker could find himself on third or fourth line checking duty, especially considering the lack of opportunity and the weapons Minnesota has upfront. With the Wild struggling to score and an abysmal 21 goals in 10 games for the entire Minnesota team, a call up wouldn’t be that surprising if the Wild decide to look elsewhere for scoring help. Andrew Ward

December 2012 - Zucker posted 13 shots in a single game for Houston on December 16. He was all over the ice, creating offense every time he touched the puck. He was pigeonholed as a 'tweener' - somewhere between a potential second liner and a potential third liner. But a performance like this certainly makes the case that he'll be a top sixer at the NHL level. To start the AHL season, his first pro campaign, he has 22 points in 22 games. Dobber

March 2012 - Zucker signed an entry-level contract with the Wild. Rich Dillon

February 2012 – Zucker, a product of the USDP, tallied 45 points last season for Denver University- as a freshman. He is well on pace to exceed that, despite missing a couple of games while captaining the U.S. team at the World Junior Hockey Championships. With 7 points in 6 games there, Zucker continued to raise his stock in the eyes of the Wild. Plays a fearless game and that hustle should ensure an NHL career. Rich Dillon

Jason Zucker needs to improve his defense adequately so he can be deployed in more than the most favorable, low risk situations. Hopefully he can put it all together, as he has terrific finishing ability.

Prospect Ramblings

Catching you up on prospects moved or being shopped at the NHL trade deadline...plus some highlights from the prospect world.

Monday, March 1st, 2015

With Austin Wallace’s head buried in his textbooks preparing for his midterms (aka, watching “TradeCentre”) the two of us are swapping ramblings days so you’re stuck with me today covering Trade Deadline action.

While the focus will remain on prospects, I may feel inclined to spew out some opinions on deals that go down as well.

Touching on Yesterday’s mini-blockbuster with Arizona trading defenseman Keith Yandle to the Rangers for promising speedster Anthony Duclair, defenseman John Moore, New York’s 1st round pick in 2016 and a 2nd in 2015. This exemplifies a great hockey trade for two teams headed in two different directions. It also marks